SAN FRANCISCO ? Edgar Pierluissi, MD, medical director of the Acute Care for Elders Unit at San Francisco General Hospital recently looked at falls in elders by the numbers. First, they?re the number... »

Although physicians in high-risk specialties face a near certainty of a malpractice claim at some point in their careers, only a small minority will end up making an indemnity payment to a... »

BETHESDA, MD. – Palliative care still suffers from thinking about that the approach begins only in the last days of of a patient’s life instead of one that can begin as soon as some diagnoses are... »

Practitioner, professor, and researcher David Thomas, MD, sorts through the facts and myths about calcium intake by the elderly. This is the second of a two-part series.

Your mother always told you to drink your milk for a reason. The body needs calcium for strong bones and muscles, as well as a healthy heart. Unfortunately, elders often don’t get enough calcium. Add to this that many didn’t get enough calcium throughout their lives, and millions of elders are at risk of falls, fractures, and other problems. However, calcium-rich diets, calcium supplements, and some medications can help strengthen bones and keep elders stronger and... »

Practitioner, professor, and researcher David Thomas, MD, sorts through the facts and myths about vit­amin D in the elderly. This is the first of a 2-part series. Next month’s column will discuss calcium.

Most people don’t get enough vitamin D. This is especially true of elders in long-term care facilities, as these people often spend most of their time inside and don’t get enough direct sunlight – the best source of vitamin D. Seniors in northern latitudes (such as Boston or Minneapolis) are even less likely to get enough sunlight. So if it is important to work with your doctor to help make sure your elder family member/friend gets the... »

Louisiana-based medical director Charles Cefalu, MD, CMD, talks about the benefits of flu shots.

A simple act such as getting a flu shot in the autumn can make a big difference in the life and health of an elder. Just as important, staff and other workers at the facility need to get immunized to protect their residents and keep everyone healthy during flu season.

The word "shot" scares some people. But, in fact, the flu shot isn?t scary. Seasonal flu vaccines protect against the influenza viruses expected to be most common during the upcoming flu season. It takes about 2 weeks for vaccinations to have full effect, so elders... »

The information-technology wave is hitting long-term care facilities, and residents are starting to enjoy the ride. In fact, facilities are beginning to encourage residents’ personal interest in... »

If current law stands, physician fees will be cut by 27.4% in 2012, not the 29.5% originally projected, according to the final payment rule issued in November by the Centers for Medicare &... »

AMDA is one of 39 organizations signing on to a letter to the National Quality Forum (NQF) seeking improvements in the organization?s quality measure?endorsement processes.

The letter states,... »

NEW YORK — Bullous pemphigoid has a sharply increased incidence in the elderly, and can sometimes be challenging to diagnose because of atypical presentation.

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The Case

A 74-year-old woman with moderately severe Alzheimer’s disease was admitted to a skilled nursing facility for long-term care. She had been cared for at home by her husband for 4 years until... »